Strong thunderstorms move through Chicago Wednesday

Parts of Chicago were under a severe thunderstorm warning Wednesday morning as a storm system moved east through northern Illinois, according to weather officials.

Northwestern Cook County was issued a severe thunderstorm warning until 9:45 a.m.

The National Weather Service said that the line of thunderstorms could produce heavy local rainfall, frequent lightning and some strong wind gusts up to 70 miles per hour.

Scott Baker, meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said they’re seeing a weakening trend with the system as it moves toward the Chicago metro area but can’t completely rule out the potential for strong winds.

For the rest of Wednesday morning, Baker said the Chicago metro area could expect lightning and steady rain.

Trains on the Metra Union Pacific Northwest line were operating with “extensive delays” due to a high wind warning near Crystal Lake as of 9:38 a.m.

Weather officials are also monitoring redeveloping strong storms in the area during the afternoon.

Temperatures are expected to reach the high 80s on Wednesday but won’t be as hot as the high 90s forecast previously due to the storms, Baker said.

“Having some rain move through right now, it’s helping to keep us a little bit cooler. So temperatures might not get up as high today just because we are staying a little cooler through this morning,” Baker said.

Hot and humid temperatures are still expected for Thursday and Friday, with potential for midday storms.

vla@chicagotribune.com